As an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), getting the salary you deserve isn’t just about luck – it’s about knowing how to ask for it. This guide will give you the tools and confidence to negotiate your salary, whether you’re applying for a new job or asking for a raise. We’ll break down the process step-by-step and focus on what works for Filipinos working abroad.
Understanding Your Worth as an OFW
Before you even start thinking about negotiating, you need to know what you’re worth. This isn’t just about feeling confident; it’s about having solid facts and figures to back up your request. Think about it like this: you’re selling a valuable service, and you need to know its market price. Many struggle with pinpointing salary ranges, but using online resources can help OFWs tremendously. For example, websites such as SalaryExpert, Glassdoor, and Payscale can provide salary benchmarks for specific roles and locations. Remember to adjust these figures based on your experience and skills.
Consider these points when assessing your worth:
Your Education and Certifications: Have you gone to special training schools? Do you have certifications in your skills? These all add to your value. For instance, a caregiver with CPR and first aid certification is more valuable.
Your Years of Experience: How long have you been doing this kind of work? Each year adds to your expertise. Remember to emphasize examples of how your experience has helped previous employers.
Your Unique Skills: What makes you different from other applicants or workers? Are you really good at solving problems? Do you adapt easily to new environments? Focus on these.
The Cost of Living: How expensive is it to live in the place you’re working? Your salary should allow you to live comfortably and save money to send home. For example, the cost of living in Dubai is much higher than in some provinces in the Philippines, so your salary should reflect that difference. Research living expenses using websites like Numbeo to present a well-supported argument.
Never underestimate your skills. OFWs are known for being hardworking, adaptable, and dedicated. These are qualities employers value greatly. Don’t be afraid to highlight these strengths.
Getting objective data regarding average costs can truly improve your negotiating power. According to Trading Economics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the Philippines measures changes in the price level of a basket of goods and services purchased by households. Understanding the CPI and related economic indicators helps assess the real value of potential salaries.
Researching Industry Standards and Salary Ranges
Okay, you know what you’re capable of. Now, what’s the standard salary for someone like you in your field and location? Don’t guess – do your homework! Finding this information will give you a realistic idea of what to expect and what to ask for.
Here’s how to research effectively:
Online Salary Databases: We talked about Glassdoor, SalaryExpert, and Payscale. Use them! These sites often have salary ranges for specific jobs in different countries. Look for data related to your specific job title and location.
OFW Forums and Groups: Join online communities for OFWs working in your field or country. These groups can be a goldmine of information. Ask other members about their salaries and experiences. Just remember that everyone’s situation is different, so take the information as a general guideline.
Recruitment Agencies: Reputable recruitment agencies often have insights into salary ranges for different positions. Contact them and ask for information, even if you’re not actively looking for a new job.
Company Reviews: If you’re applying for a specific company, look for reviews from current or former employees. These reviews often mention salary ranges and benefits. Sites like Indeed and Glassdoor allow employees to share their compensation packages.
When you’re researching, pay attention to details like the size of the company, the industry, and the level of experience required for the job. A large multinational company will usually pay more than a small family-owned business. Also, remember the salary range isn’t a fixed number. It’s a starting point for negotiation.
Let’s say you’re a registered nurse looking for work in Saudi Arabia. Searching online and talking to other nurses reveals that the average salary range for your experience level is between SAR 4,000 and SAR 6,000 per month. This gives you a baseline for your negotiations.
Crafting Your Negotiation Strategy
Now that you have your research, it’s time to create a plan. Negotiation is more than just asking for a higher salary; it’s about presenting a compelling case for why you deserve it.
Here’s how to create a winning strategy:
Know Your Walk-Away Point: Before you start negotiating, decide on the lowest salary you’re willing to accept. This is your “walk-away point.” Don’t go below it, no matter how tempting the offer may seem.
Determine Your Target Salary: Based on your research, decide on a target salary that’s slightly higher than what you actually want. This gives you room to negotiate down without sacrificing your minimum requirements.
Prepare Your Justification: Write down all the reasons why you deserve your target salary. This includes your skills, experience, education, and the value you bring to the company.
Practice Your Delivery: Practice saying your negotiation points out loud. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual negotiation. Record yourself or practice with a friend.
Focus on Value, Not Just Money: Instead of just talking about money, emphasize the value you bring to the company. Explain how your skills and experience will help them achieve their goals.
Consider the Entire Package: Salary is important, but it’s not everything. Consider other benefits like housing, transportation, health insurance, and vacation time. These benefits can add significant value to your overall compensation.
For example, some gulf state countries offer comprehensive benefits packages for OFWs. By negotiating better housing, paid vacation leave, and healthcare, you improve your whole compensation package without directly focusing solely on money.
For example, if your target salary is SAR 5,500, you might start by asking for SAR 6,000. Then be prepared to justify why you’re worth that amount. “I have five years of experience in nursing, working specifically with elderly patients, and I’m certified in advanced cardiac life support. I’m confident I can provide excellent care to your patients and contribute to your team’s success.”
Negotiating During the Job Offer
This is where the rubber meets the road! You’ve got a job offer in hand. Now’s the time to put your negotiation skills to the test.
Follow these tips during the negotiation process:
Express Enthusiasm: Start by expressing your excitement about the job offer. This shows the employer you’re genuinely interested in the position.
Don’t Accept the First Offer: Even if the offer seems good, don’t accept it immediately. Thank the employer for the offer and ask for some time to consider it. This gives you time to review the offer and prepare your counter-offer.
Be Polite and Professional: Always remain polite and professional, even if you disagree with the employer’s offer. Avoid getting emotional or confrontational.
Justify Your Counter-Offer: Explain why you’re asking for a higher salary. Use the research you’ve done to support your request. Connect your skills and experience to the company’s needs.
Be Prepared to Compromise: Negotiation is about finding a mutually agreeable solution. Be prepared to compromise on some of your demands if necessary. Maybe you can’t get the exact salary you want, but you can negotiate for better benefits.
Get Everything in Writing: Once you’ve reached an agreement, make sure you get everything in writing. This includes your salary, benefits, and job responsibilities. This protects you in case of future disputes.
Imagine you receive an offer for SAR 5,000. You respond by saying, “Thank you so much for this offer, I’m really excited about the opportunity to work at your hospital. After reviewing the offer and considering the cost of living, my target salary is SAR 5,800. I bring five years of experience in critical care and I’m also highly proficient in Electronic Health Records, which aligns perfectly with your hospital’s recent EHR implementation. I would be thrilled to contribute my expertise to your team.”
Negotiating a Raise in Your Current Job
Getting a raise in your current job can be tricky, but it’s definitely possible if you approach it the right way. The important thing is to show your employer that you’ve earned a raise and that you deserve to be compensated for your contributions.
Here’s how to approach your boss for a raise:
Track Your Accomplishments: Keep a record of your accomplishments and contributions to the company. This includes any projects you’ve completed successfully, any problems you’ve solved, and any positive feedback you’ve received.
Schedule a Meeting: Don’t just walk into your boss’s office and demand a raise. Schedule a formal meeting to discuss your salary. This shows your boss that you’re serious about the issue.
Present Your Case: During the meeting, present your case for a raise. Show your boss your accomplishments and explain how you’ve contributed to the company’s success. Use numbers and data to support your claims.
Know Your Market Value: Research industry standards and salary ranges for your position and experience level. This will give you a basis for your request.
Be Professional and Respectful: Remain professional and respectful throughout the conversation, even if your boss is not receptive to your request.
Be Patient: Your boss may not be able to give you a raise immediately. Be patient and follow up on your request in a few months.
For example, let’s say you’ve been working as a construction worker in Qatar for two years. During that time, you’ve consistently exceeded expectations, completed projects ahead of schedule, and trained several new employees. You schedule a meeting with your supervisor and say, “I’ve been a dedicated member of the team for the past two years, and I’ve consistently exceeded expectations. I have successfully completed my assignments. Because of my performance I’m requesting a raise to reflect my current value. Based on my research, the market rate for someone with my skills and experience is QAR 4,000. I’m looking for just compensation after my dedication to the project.”
Overcoming Common Negotiation Challenges
Negotiation isn’t always easy. You might face challenges like:
Feeling Intimidated: It’s normal to feel intimidated when negotiating with a potential employer or your boss. Remember to breathe deeply, stay calm, and focus on your value. Preparation is key!
Cultural Differences: Negotiation styles can vary across cultures. Filipinos might be more hesitant to negotiate aggressively. Research the negotiation customs of the country you’re working in. Some cultures value directness, while others prefer a more indirect approach.
Low Initial Offers: Don’t be discouraged by low initial offers. View them as a starting point for negotiation. Stick to your “walk-away point” and be prepared to say no if the offer is unacceptable.
Being Rejected: Not every negotiation will be successful. If your request is rejected, don’t take it personally. Ask for feedback on how you can improve your performance and revisit the issue in the future.
To address these, consider taking short courses in negotiation, available on platforms like Coursera or Udemy. These courses help boost your confidence. Remember, asking for more money is a normal part of working.
The Importance of Self-Confidence
Ultimately, successful negotiation comes down to self-confidence. Believe in your skills, your experience, and your value. Remember why you chose to work abroad in the first place: to provide a better life for yourself and your family. Stand up for yourself, know your worth, and never be afraid to ask for what you deserve. Many companies prefer hiring OFWs, because of the reputation the Filipino people have. OFWs are often viewed as hardworking, loyal, and adaptive. Capitalize off these attributes during your negotiation.
Remember to practice self-care, exercise, and stay connected with loved ones. Maintaining a healthy mind and body will boost your confidence and make you a stronger negotiator. Don’t be afraid to seek support from other OFWs. Sharing experiences and advice can be incredibly helpful. By being mentally tough, focusing, and having a healthy lifestyle your confidence will grow naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about salary negotiation for OFWs:
Q: How do I know if an employer is taking advantage of me?
A: Research the standard salary range for your position and experience level in your location. If the employer is offering significantly less than the market rate, they may be taking advantage of you. Also, pay attention to the benefits package. Some employers try to compensate for low salaries with better benefits, but make sure they adequately do so. Don’t be afraid to ask other OFWs the common compensation ranges for the same position, this is the most accurate way to determine value.
Q: What if I’m afraid of losing the job offer by negotiating?
A: It’s understandable to be afraid of losing a job offer, but remember that negotiation is a normal part of the hiring process. Most employers expect candidates to negotiate. If you’re polite, professional, and reasonable, you’re unlikely to lose the offer simply by asking for more. If they rescind an offer simply for negotiating within a reasonable range, you might not want to work for them.
Q: How do I deal with cultural differences in negotiation?
A: Research the negotiation customs of the country you’re working in. Some cultures value directness, while others prefer a more indirect approach. Be respectful of these differences and adapt your negotiation style accordingly. When in doubt, err on the side of politeness and formality. If possible, communicate through a translator to avoid miscommunications.
Q: What should I do if my employer refuses to give me a raise?
A: If your employer refuses to give you a raise, ask for feedback on how you can improve your performance and revisit the issue in a few months. In the meantime, continue to track your accomplishments and look for opportunities to showcase your skills. Do your best to stay professional and follow through on your meetings. If after multiple attempts you can’t come to an agreement, maybe its time for you to move on to another company.
Q: What are some common mistakes OFWs make during salary negotiation?
A: Some common mistakes include: not researching salary ranges, not knowing their worth, accepting the first offer without negotiating, being too aggressive or emotional, and not getting everything in writing. Preparing is an important aspect of negotiating. By tracking accomplishments and preparing your talking points, you’ll be well prepared for the negotiation.
References
- SalaryExpert
- Glassdoor
- Payscale
- Numbeo
- Trading Economics
- Indeed
- Coursera
- Udemy
You’ve got the knowledge and the tools. Now, it’s time to take action! Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Start researching, strategizing, and practicing your negotiation skills today. Whether you’re applying for a new job or asking for a raise, remember that you have the power to shape your financial future. Go out there and get the salary you deserve, kabayan! Your family back home is counting on you!
